By Caroline Dehn
Spring break is just around the corner and we all need the week off to relax and set aside the fast-approaching stress of finals. Though many of us would love to leave D.C. to enjoy the vacation, we are not looking to spend extortionate amounts of money on travel while living with college student budgets. Here are some ways to take a bit of the financial stress off of spring break so you can spend more time relaxing and exploring.
For Travel
If you plan on taking a flight to your spring break destination, making smart choices can help you save major money on travel expenses. Booking flights as far in advance as possible is one of the best ways to save on travel. However, as the break is inching closer, there are ways to manage your budget by utilizing student discounts on KAYAK, or websites like StudentUniverse that filter their searches for the best deals on flights for students. Similarly, check out SkyScanner, which compares flights from all airlines and finds you the cheapest combinations. Make sure to sign up for email alerts on these websites to be notified when the flight prices drop.
If you are taking a trip to any nearby city in the northeast, MegaBus is your friend. The price range for a one-way ticket is usually between $20 and $40, and the buses are always clean and spacious. Oftentimes taking an Amtrak train doesn’t save you any substantial amount of money compared to airline tickets, but buses are often the cheapest option as long as you’re willing to spend a little more time in transit.
For Lodging
Finding a budget-friendly place to stay can be very tricky when factoring in important considerations such as location, safety, capacity and space. Again, the sooner you have your plans solidified, the better the deals you can get. Make sure you plan out tentative budgets with your friends of what you are willing to spend along with your “make or breaks” for lodging so that everyone has an idea of what to look for. AirBnB or Vrbo can often get you more bang for your buck when split between multiple people compared to hotels. Make sure to be wary of prior reviews so that you can weed out any properties that aren’t like they are in the pictures.
Day Trips from D.C.
There are many fun day trips you can take just outside of D.C. that will give you a break from the city chaos without breaking the bank. Some of my favorites are:
Baltimore: When in Baltimore, make sure to check out Fells Point for boutique shopping, cobblestone streets, fun Irish pubs, breweries and tasty restaurants. You’re sure to get that Maryland feel and many opportunities to find a crab cake. The Inner Harbor neighborhood is home to experiences like the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium. For those 21+, Federal Hill has many young, trendy bars to go out for a drink. Lastly, the Hampden neighborhood in more northern Baltimore has a kitschy, arty feel with cool galleries, restaurants and funky gift shops.
Annapolis: Annapolis, Maryland is a short trip outside the city, but it provides a totally different feel than what D.C. provides. The small-town feel combined with the historic cobblestone streets and colorful townhouses makes for a lovely walk. Grab a crab cake and take a stroll along the harbor, visit the Naval Academy and enjoy the tacky yet cute gift shops that feature Maryland state garb.
St. Michaels, MD: St. Michaels is a bit of a farther trek outside D.C. located along the Chesapeake Bay. There, you can take boat tours with cocktail cruises – for those who are legal – and learn more about the Indigenous peoples who inhabited, and still inhabit, the Chesapeake Bay region. In this town, and in those around it, you can find wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and small boutiques to shop in. As the weather gets warmer, a lovely day can be spent along the water in St. Michaels, especially with a cone from Justine’s Ice Cream Parlor.
Shenandoah National Park: Just a two-hour drive outside the city, you can explore one of the most stunning national parks in the country with hikes for all different skill levels. To save money, you can always camp, or find an affordable cabin to stay with a group. Some recommended hikes in the area are Hazeltop Mountain and Bearfence Mountain. After a long morning of hiking, try stopping at one of the many wineries in the surrounding towns near the park.
Make sure to shut down Blackboard and give yourself the much-needed rest from schoolwork this spring break, no matter where you spend it.
